New Poll: Credit Card Rewards Are Vital Budget Tool for Working-Class, Middle-Income, and Young Voters

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kara Zupkus (224) 456-0257

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Taxpayers Protection Alliance today released a national poll survey conducted by GrayHouse finding that Americans across party lines, income levels, and age groups overwhelmingly rely on—and strongly value—credit card rewards to manage their household budgets.

More than two-thirds of working-class cardholders say credit card rewards are important to their monthly finances, with more than one-quarter calling them vital to covering everyday expenses. The poll also shows broad skepticism that retailers would pass along any savings to consumers under the proposed Durbin-Marshall Credit Card Competition Act.

Key Findings

• 81% of voters own a credit card, and more than 80% of cardholders earn and use rewards.
• 82% of voters aged 18–29 and 80% of those aged 30–49 say rewards are important to their finances.
• 67% of working-class cardholders say rewards are important to their household finances; 26% rely on them to help cover everyday expenses.
• 65% of voters say cashback is the most popular reward (65%), rising to 73% among working-class households earning under $50,000 annually.
• 65% of voters believe retailers would pocket savings from lower processing fees rather than pass them on to consumers.
• 65% of Republicans, 65% of 2024 Trump voters, and 65% of 2024 Harris voters prefer keeping rewards — demonstrating broad bipartisan agreement.
• 63% of voters would rather keep their rewards than give them up in exchange for the possibility of lower retail prices.

“Working-class families and younger Americans are using cashback rewards on groceries and gas to stretch tight budgets,” said David Williams, President of the Taxpayers Protection Alliance. “Lawmakers pushing the Durbin-Marshall bill are asking Americans to give up a benefit they rely on every day based on a promise voters clearly don’t believe will materialize. The experience with debit card regulation shows what happens: rewards disappear, and prices don’t go down.”

The survey was conducted January 29–30, 2026, among 1,251 registered voters nationwide. View the full topline data here.